Relgion argumentative

[Calypso]

Hello everyone, for one of my classes I have to write an argumentative essay. I want to do it on religion but I need a good thesis statement with a solid assertion. I was thinking something along of the lines of there is no real tangible good outcome of it that cannot be achieved without it. Anything else would help a lot, I just wanted to bounce some ideas around. Thanks in advance.

[frankiej]

Religion is bad, mkaaay...

[Mister Agenda]

That sounds like a good theme to counter the 'if it weren't for religion we'd all run amok' type of argument. You might want to compare crime statistics between the most atheistic and most theistic countries, and compare atheist to theist prison stats.

[mediamogul]

What class is it specifically?

The classic argument would be that there is no valid evidence or arguments for the existence of god.

Religious belief is harmful.

Religion should be removed from public policy and government institutions.

All of these could be considered polemical.

[Calypso]

This is for an English class, being that there aren't too many...if any I'm not really sure people who share my views in that class it's kinda hard getting ideas from people in there.

[frankiej]

I think an argumentative essay on how relevant buttplugs are in today's society would be better.

[Faith No More]

Religion is more of a coping mechanism for death than a description of reality.

[Tempus]

Religion is more of a coping mechanism for death than a description of reality.

It's many things to people. Fear of death, a lack of understanding in regards to the natural and social sciences, a need for control / desire for 'good' to win, a desire for purpose in life, a cure for loneliness - people adopt it for many reasons from what I've seen.

In regards to the OP; it's considered polite to post in 'introductions' first I can't think of any good suggestions right now. Religion is a big topic, so my only advice is be specific.

[mediamogul]

This is for an English class, being that there aren't too many...if any I'm not really sure people who share my views in that class it's kinda hard getting ideas from people in there.

Could always argue for the bible as symbolic literature.

Or that Jesus of the New Testament fits in the Hero Tradition of Oedipus, Mithras, and Horus. That Jesus' fictional account was clearly written with direct influence from the earlier legends and mythology of the period and place.

[Bgood]

Don't forget to mention that secular charities are much better run and more honest with how they distribute their money and goods than most religious ones. Also mention the fact that more people have been murdered in the name of God than in anything else.